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Ian Hendrickson-Smith: Up In Smoke!
ByThere are other factors, like setting the right tempos, which contribute to the disc’s success. A deliberate, measured pace helps to transform Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge” into a soulful strut. Joe Strasser’s crisp drumming keeps the band in the pocket and doesn’t detract from Hendrickson- Smith’s heartfelt treatment of the melody. A medium-fast tempo suits the jagged contours of Charlie Parker’s “Segment.” It also enables the listener to catch niceties, like Hazeltine’s guiding chords behind the leader’s solo, which might not register at a more rapid clip.
Aside from some brief, double-time passages, there’s a relaxed, open quality to Hendrickson- Smith’s three choruses on “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” the disc’s opening track. While the rhythm section settles into a medium-bounce tempo and gradually brings up the level of intensity without raising a fuss, the alto saxophonist plays as if he’s got nothing to prove and no one to impress. His purposeful lines favor melodic development over velocity, and radiates warmth that never turns mawkish.
Hendrickson-Smith’s playing on the title track, a slow blues, is another example of his resourcefulness and maturity. He begins an unaccompanied segment with a declarative shout, and then skillfully blends familiar blues locutions and short phrases that are in no hurry to reach a destination. Alternately passionate and subdued, two beautifully paced choruses give the impression that he’s holding something in reserve until reaching a rousing climax in the last four bars.
Track Listing
1. The Best Things In Life Are Free; 2. Molly; 3. Chelsea Bridge; 4. Curacao; 5. Portrait Of Smith; 6. I'll Close My Eyes; 7. Segment; 8. Up In Smoke!; 9. Sassy.
Personnel
Ian Hendrickson-Smith
saxophone, altoIan Hendrickson-Smith--alto saxophone; David Hazeltine--piano; Barak Mori--acoustic bass; Joe Strasser--drums.
Album information
Title: Up In Smoke! | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Sharp Nine Records
Comments
About Ian Hendrickson-Smith
Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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